THE creator and ex-presenter of hit children’s morning TV show Tiswas has been elected chairman of Worcestershire County Council.

Cllr Peter Tomlinson, who served as the council’s vice chairman last year, was sworn in as chairman at the authority’s annual meeting.

Cllr Tomlinson has sat on the county council for the last three years and Wychavon District Council for the last eight years having spent 30 years in TV and radio.

Cllr Tomlinson created Tiswas, which saw him join up with Chris Tarrant, and presented the popular TV programme in its early years before going onto broadcaster ATV as well as Beacon Radio and Saga in the West Midlands

After retiring, Cllr Tomlinson became High Sheriff of the West Midlands, a role that saw him accompany Prince Edward during the official opening of a new Burns Centre for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Cllr Tomlinson played a big part in fundraising for the Burns Centre, launching The Red Balloon Appeal as part of his role as director of communications, marketing and fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which raised around £3 million.

As chairman of the council, Cllr Tomlinson will be a figurehead for the authority as well as represent it on civic and ceremonial occasions. He will also chair full council meetings.

Cllr Paul Middlebrough said as a businessman, supporter of the arts, amateur jazz drummer, sportsman, “consummate” supporter of charities and media ‘giant’ Cllr Tomlinson was a “man for all seasons.”

Cllr Bob Brookes was appointed vice-chairman of the county council. Cllr Paul Denham was also nominated but lost out on a vote.